MY2003 - Year 2003 New Age Impreza

MY03
Copyright © Subaru

6th January 2003 - Shock release of 2.5 litre STi in USA!

From Subaru NA site

"Until now, STi-badged Subaru vehicles had been available only in select world markets. However, the success of the WRX in the U.S. prompted strong demand from American consumers for an even more extreme-performance version of this car. As a result, the U.S.-market Impreza WRX STi gives up nothing compared to models offered in Europe, Japan and other markets and in some ways offers more performance. For example, the 2.5-liter turbocharged powerplant is the largest displacement engine ever installed in a WRX STi model and is exclusive to the North American market. This unique engine provides strong torque characteristics at both low and high rpm. It is the most powerful 4-cylinder engine available in the US."

Not only does the STi-USA come with a 2.5 litre turbo charged 4 cylinder engine it also boasts the driver controlled centre differential as seen as an option on the Japanese domestic market variant.

"Subaru has always believed that four driven wheels are better than two. WRX STi is equipped with the brand's most performance-directed All-Wheel Drive system with DCCD (Driver Control Center Differential). In automatic mode, the computer varies the front/rear torque split automatically depending on driving conditions and driver input. In manual mode, the DCCD system allows the driver to vary the front-to-rear torque distribution for different driving conditions. Using a small control wheel on the car's center console, the driver can set the system to transfer as much as 65 percent of available torque to the rear wheels to increase handling agility. Impreza WRX STi employs a new Suretrac® limited-slip front differential and a mechanical limited-slip rear differential. The Suretrac differential is a gearless unit that responds to a torque differential between left and right wheels to increase traction and reduce understeer."

Comparing the rest of the specification it is seen that it is very similar to the STi-UK in areas such as interior and exterior styling, suspension, wheels, and brakes.

MECHANICAL

SAFETY EXTERIOR INTERIOR

Prices were announced at the end of April 2003 with a Subaru America press release.


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Page last updated 16th March 2003
Copyright © 2003 Steve Breen unless otherwise stated (ie its a press release from Subaru UK!!!)
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